When the weather starts to warm, many hunters turn to shed hunting. Searching for antlers that have been shed by deer and other wildlife allows hunters to study animal populations, scout potential hunting areas, track an individual buck’s antler growth, and experience the excitement of finding a trophy outside of hunting season.
Shed antlers can also be highly useful in the hands of the right crafter. They can be used to make buttons, knife handles, cribbage boards, ornaments, rings, chandeliers, lamps, bookends, jewelry holders, dog treats, curtain holders–well, the options are nearly endless.
But finding shed antlers is no easy task. Hunters may have to cover huge amounts of ground, looking for antlers near food sources, water, and bedding areas. And they are in a race against time as they work to beat out other shed hunters and animals who favor them as chew toys.
Cellular trail cams can come in handy when it comes to searching for shed antlers in remote, or off-grid areas. Pair camera data with patience, persistence, and luck, and your shed-finding success rate will likely climb.
This blog shows you how you can use a wireless cellular trail camera to improve your shed hunting efforts and maximize your chances of locating those prized antlers.
Which Animals Shed Their Antlers?
Male members of the deer family shed their antlers annually. This includes elk, moose, deer, and caribou.
- Moose shed their antlers between fall and winter (depending on location)
- Deer shed their antlers in the winter and early spring
- Elk shed their antlers in the winter and early spring
Antlers are shed after the fall breeding season when they are no longer needed. Antlers can become a liability, getting caught in tree branches or fencing.
Antlers begin their process of falling off the animal’s body as the days shorten, which causes male bodies to produce less testosterone. Without that extra testosterone, the antlers loosen at the base. A new set of antlers usually starts growing once the pedicles–the bony protrusions where antlers grow–heal.
Benefits of Using a Wireless Cellular Trail Camera for Shed Hunting
Your trail cam can be your eyes and ears in the field, helping you scout for shed antlers from the convenience of an app on your smartphone.
- Real-time monitoring: Using a cellular trail camera for shed hunting lets you monitor your trail cam remotely in real-time. This means you don’t have to wait days or weeks to check the camera, and you save yourself the time and hassle of traveling to your camera location–not to mention you don’t have to disturb the area every time you check your storage card. By reviewing the photos or videos sent to your phone, you can instantly identify when and where animals are in a particular area. Knowing that animals are present in your zone means you can focus your shed hunting efforts there.
- Reduced human impact: As mentioned above, human intrusion into hunting areas can disrupt wildlife patterns. Wireless cellular cameras let you check the camera remotely, which reduces your impact on the site and minimizes the chances of spooking animals. Leaving the area undisturbed increases your chances of capturing photos of animals and locating shed antlers.
- Continuous monitoring and data collection: Animals shed their antlers at different times throughout the year, with many factors impacting timing. Using a wireless cellular trail camera allows you to collect data over an extended period of time. This can help you track when the animals begin to shed and where they are when the process happens. This can help you pin down where you are most likely to find antlers.
- Time savings: Shed hunting can be a time-consuming activity. You are likely looking at hours or even days of walking as you search vast areas. Just a few wireless cellular trail cams can save you time and effort by providing real-time insights into where deer are active. Instead of wandering, you can strategically target areas that show promising signs of wildlife presence.
Laws Concerning Antler Collecting
Before you embark on your antler hunting trip, make sure you are aware of the laws pertaining to antler collection. Just like with camera use on public lands, there can be a variety of laws pertaining to antler collection depending on where you are.
- National parks: Collecting shed antlers is prohibited.
- National wildlife refuges: Most antler collection is illegal unless you have a special permit.
- States: Many states do not regulate shed antler hunting and collection, but some may have special rules about securing a salvage tag if the antlers are attached to a skull. Other states may require proof of shed-hunting education.
How to Use a Cellular Trail Camera for Shed Hunting Success
Now that you understand the benefits of using a wireless cellular trail camera and some of the rules involved, here’s how you can use trail cams in your shed hunting strategy:
- Scout for potential areas: The best success will come from looking in the right area. Use your deer cam to identify where the animals are present and where they are feeding, bedding, drinking, and traveling. Look for signs of deer activity, such as tracks, droppings, or rubs—these areas will be your best bet for placing your camera.
- Place your camera in strategic locations: With your camera area picked, ensure you site your camera so it is in the most strategic spot to get you clear views of deer movement. Mount the camera at head height and angle it in such a way that it captures a wide field of view. Make sure it is securely mounted on a tree or other fixed object.
- Monitor the cam and adjust it as data arrive: As your camera sends images to your phone, look for patterns in deer behavior. Note where animals come from and where they head to. Identify specific animals and note when their antlers are not present.
- Use the information to increase your success: With enough data in hand, you’ll be better positioned for a successful shed hunt. The more you understand where and when deer shed their antlers, the better your chances of finding them.
Shed hunting can be fun, and antlers have infinite uses. Real-time monitoring, reduced human impact, and continuous data collection increase your chances of success–and this is where a cellular trail cam can be useful well into the off-season. Incorporating a cellular trail camera into your shed hunting routine is a smart investment that can save you time, effort, and frustration.